Question

In your own words, what are rational expressions? Why must we always be mindful of the final value of the denominator in a rational expression? For example, consider the rational expression 3x/(x2 – 16). What values in the denominator must we be mindful of? Explain why.

Answer 1

rational expressions are normally in the form of fractions. For this reason, the denominator can never be 0, since in that case the entire expression would be undefined. in the case of x^2-16, we factor this part which expands to (x-4)(x+4). To avoid getting the 0, we need to mention that x cannot equal -4 or 4.

Answer 2

by the way, welcome to openstudy :D

Answer 3

Thanks!1 Algebra is tough..Studying psychology and had to take it..like trying yo learn how to speak Zimbabwe for me..

Answer 4

i know how u feel. good luck and just keep up the good work :D

Answer 5

How do I know an answer is correct if I do not understand this?

Answer 6

what part don't u understand? maybe i can help u :D

Answer 7

I need 100-200 words for the response. Your response seems to answer the question..

Answer 8

we r half way there! maybe i can tell u the part u r stuck on and then u could expand what i wrote. i checked in word. we have 57 words as of now :D

Answer 9

correct. I need another 50 words or so..can you help with expanding the explanation?

Answer 10

sure. can u try doing yourself? i'll be back in 15-20 minutes :)

Answer 11

Hear is the situation. I am a psychology major, and I had to take 18 weeks of Algebra. I am in my 12th week. I got through the first 9 with a b, because I use software to solve most equations and use examples for word problems that are provided in our check point assignments. Other wise I would do as bad as I did in jr high. I am 58 years old and will never use this. it is a requirement.

Answer 12

ok. that's a tough situation for u :D

rational expressions are normally in the form of fractions. In other words, it can be considered the ratio between the two polynomials. For this reason, the denominator can never be 0. If the denominator were to become 0 then in that case the entire expression would be undefined. In the case of x^2-16, we need to find the values of x that would make the the polynomial 0. In order to find these x values we need to factor this part which expands to (x-4)(x+4). To avoid getting the 0, we need to mention that x cannot equal -4 or 4.

There we go! that is 101 words long now :D

Answer 13

Thanks!1 you are awesome!

Answer 14

so the original expression with the 3x in it would make it unidentified?

Answer 15

yes